BBQ Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

Looking for a no-fuss, flavor-packed dinner that’s ready in under 30 minutes? These BBQ Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks deliver juicy meat, crispy skin, and sticky-sweet BBQ flavor—all with minimal effort. Perfect for weeknight meals, game day spreads, or whenever that comfort food craving hits.

Thanks to the air fryer, you’ll get perfectly cooked drumsticks without firing up the grill or turning on the oven. Just season, cook, sauce, and enjoy!

Why You’ll Love this Recipe

 Quick & easy – Ready in about 25 minutes from start to finish.

Big flavor, no grill required – Smoky, sweet BBQ taste with crispy air-fried skin.

Minimal cleanup – One bowl, one air fryer. That’s it.

Perfect for any night – Great with sides like mac & cheese, fries, or a fresh salad.

BBQ Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks: Crispy, Saucy, and Finger-Lickin’ Good

Need a meal that’s guaranteed to satisfy without a lot of work? These BBQ chicken drumsticks come out perfectly cooked and packed with flavor—crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and slathered in your favorite BBQ sauce. It’s comfort food made easy.

Tips for Success

Don’t skip the oil – It helps the seasoning stick and gives that crispy texture.

Check the temp – Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness at 175°F.

Use foil or parchment – Makes cleanup even easier.

Try different BBQ sauces – Sweet, smoky, spicy—whatever fits your flavor mood.

Make-Ahead & Storage

Make-Ahead Instructions:

Season the chicken up to a day ahead and store it covered in the fridge. Air fry and sauce when ready.

Storing Leftovers:

Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Reheating Leftovers

• Air Fryer: Reheat at 375°F for 4–5 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in 30-second bursts, but the skin won’t stay crispy.

Final Thoughts

These BBQ Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks are a weeknight hero and weekend treat all in one. Easy, flavorful, and endlessly customizable, they’re bound to be a repeat request at your dinner table.

Tried it? Let me know what seasoning and BBQ sauce combo you used—and what tasty side you served it with!

BBQ Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

Heidi Allen

Looking for a no-fuss, flavor-packed dinner that’s ready in under 30 minutes? These BBQ Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks deliver juicy meat, crispy skin, and sticky-sweet BBQ flavor—all with minimal effort. Perfect for weeknight meals, game day spreads, or whenever that comfort food craving hits.

Thanks to the air fryer, you’ll get perfectly cooked drumsticks without firing up the grill or turning on the oven. Just season, cook, sauce, and enjoy!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

25 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Servings 4

Equipment

• Air Fryer

Ingredients

  

• 2 lbs. Chicken Drumsticks (about 4 to 5 Pieces)
• 2 tbsp. Olive Oil
• 3 tsp. Seasoning We used Meat Church Honey Hog
• 1/c cup BBQ Sauce (We love Kinder's Hickory Brown Sugar for this recipe)

Instructions

 

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
• Coat the chicken: In a large bowl, toss the drumsticks with olive oil until evenly coated.
• Season generously on all sides with your favorite spice blend.
• Air fry for 8 minutes, then flip and cook for another 6 minutes.
• Sauce it up: Remove drumsticks, brush with BBQ sauce, and return to the air fryer.
• Finish cooking for another 8 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 175°F and the sauce is caramelized.
• Serve hot with your favorite sides!